Nelson Mandela is responding to treatment but still in a critical condition, South African President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday after visiting the global peace icon in hospital.
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Zuma's comments came after one of Mandela's nephews told AFP that the former president was conscious.
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"We are encouraged that Madiba is responding to treatment," said Zuma, referring to the anti-apartheid hero by his clan name.
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Zuma added the 94-year-old is remains in "critical but stable" condition after more than one month of intensive hospital treatment.
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He urged the public to continue "showering him with love which gives him and the family strength".
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Mandela was rushed to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 over a recurring lung infection.
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Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, who is one of Mandela's nephew and king of his Thembu tribe, told AFP Wednesday the former statesman was "conscious".